In an exclusive interview with ΕΡΤΝews journalist Giorgos Sideris, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem addressed issues concerning the Israel-Iran conflict, the Greek Orthodox community in Syria, and broader dangers facing the Middle East.
“The situation in Syria deeply concerns us,” the Patriarch stated, referring to the deadly terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elijah in Damascus.
He recalled, “As soon as the crisis in Syria began, we were in contact with His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch. We had phone conversations during which he shared the difficulties they faced, information that I passed on to our relevant authorities.” After the attack, the Patriarch continued, “We again spoke by phone, and he told me he was scared.”
Patriarch Theophilos III further explained, “I then asked the Greek Consul General to arrange contact with the Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. Gerapetritis, who indeed called me from Brussels. We discussed extensively the situation of Christians in Syria and the wider Middle East.” He added that they provided the minister with intelligence, including a document from ISIS that disparaged Christians, describing them as those who “eat pork”, listed five Christian churches as potential next targets.
He also revealed that “I later learned that Patriarch John of Antioch himself had become a target.”
The Patriarch acknowledged the interest shown by the Greek Prime Minister during his recent visit, noting, “He expressed concern for the Christians’ situation.” Patriarch Theophilos pointed out that this concern extends beyond Greece to “Europeans and Americans in general.”
However, he emphasized, “It is necessary not to remain in words alone but to move into action.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
